What is on-going in research and policy?
The ICT theme of the 7th Framework Programme for research and technological development provides a key opportunity to set in place a bold European effort regarding the "Future Internet" and in particular to investigate a number of technological domains, as well as associated policy domains, that have a bearing on the network and service infrastructure elements of the Internet of tomorrow.
This research programme provides in particular a unique collaborative platform between academia, research institutes and industry that can be mobilised to address the multiple facets of a Future Internet, also taking advantage of the existence of key European Technology Platforms in the field, such as eMobility, NEM and NESSI.
* Compendium of European RTD projects working on the Future of the Internet.
The Internet became a true mirror of our society
In the i2010 policy framework the European Commission acknowledges and reaffirms its support to the openness, interoperability and end-to-end principles governing the Internet.
At the same time, it is anticipated that the current Internet may in the long term not be fully capable of supporting the ever larger set of usages, constraints and requirements that it will have to face as it further penetrates our immediate surroundings and environment. The issue of a "Future Internet" is hence attracting more and more attention and other regions in the world have already launched strategic exploratory initiatives in this field.
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